Wis. deputy needs over 100 stitches after attack

UNEAU, WI — A Dodge County Sheriff’s Department deputy struck by a beer glass while investigating a domestic incident needed more than 100 stitches in his face, authorities said.

“In the 20 years that I have been in law enforcement, this is the worst battery to an officer that I have seen,” Sheriff Todd Nehls said of the attack on deputy John Monaghan.

Westly Thompson, 27, of Hartford, was charged Monday with two counts of battery to a law enforcement officer and felony bail-jumping in the incident.

The attack took place Sunday after officers were called to an Iron Ridge home for a domestic incident, according to a sheriff’s department report. Thompson allegedly assaulted his 19-year-old sister during a dispute at his parents’ home, Nehls said.

“He was also out on bail for a substantial battery incident on Jan. 28 in Washington County involving another family member,” the sheriff said. “Since Thompson had a tendency to be violent, we sent three officers to bring him into custody.”

Officers received a tip later Sunday night that Thompson was at the Rock River Bar and Grill in Hustisford. One officer was posted at the back door, while Monaghan and deputy Bradley Vinje entered the bar, authorities said.

When asked for identification, Thompson threw his driver’s license at Monaghan and then struck him on the left side of the face with a beer glass. The impact shattered the glass, caused severe lacerations to Monaghan’s face and broke two teeth.

Thompson also is accused of biting Vinje on the hand, breaking the skin, according to a criminal complaint.

After hearing a commotion inside the bar, the third deputy, Jason Westphal, ran inside and used his Taser to subdue Thompson.

He was being held in lieu of a $50,000 cash bond pending a preliminary hearing March 20.

No charges were immediately filed in the Sunday domestic incident.

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